Abstract
This paper presents an overview of the main topics related to biometric security technology, with the main purpose to provide a primer on this subject. Biometrics can offer greater security and convenience than traditional methods for people recognition. Even if we do not want to replace a classic method (password or handheld token) by a biometric one, for sure, we are potential users of these systems, which will even be mandatory for new passport models. For this reason, to be familiarized with the possibilities of biometric security technology is useful.